NC Senate passes bill to reform Medicaid, bill goes to House

The state Senate on Thursday passed a bill to reform Medicaid (Source: MGN Online)

RALEIGH, NC (AP) -

The North Carolina Senate has given tentative approval to a bill that changes how Medicaid is administered and paid for in the state.

Senators approved the measure, 28-17, on Thursday. It would create a new state agency to oversee and manage Medicaid and partially privatize it. The bill would carve out Medicaid regions in the state where both private companies and hospital-led health plans would compete for contracts to serve patients there.

The state would give health plans a set amount of money based on the number of Medicaid patients in their region.

Supporters say it will give the state stability on costs, which have been unpredictable, but opponents argue that it will restrict care, especially in rural and low-income areas.

The bill now goes to the House.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Joseph Cina, a former WPD officer and NHC Sheriff's Lieutenant, says he plans to run for Pender County Sheriff in 2018. (Source: Joseph Cina)

Joseph A. Cina, who has law enforcement experience with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, said in a news release that he plans to run for Sheriff in Pender County in 2018, to succeed the retiring Sheriff Carson Smith.

Joseph A. Cina, who has law enforcement experience with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, said in a news release that he plans to run for Sheriff in Pender County in 2018, to succeed the retiring Sheriff Carson Smith.

Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC 7) talks with WECT about the competing tax reform bills in Congress, and his take on allegations of misconduct brought against members of the House and Senate. (Source: WECT)

Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC 7) on Monday said if sexual misconduct allegations leveled against members of Congress are true, those members should step down from their seats. The second-term congressman also said if similar allegations are true against Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore, Rouzer believes Moore should remove himself from next month’s special election.

Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC 7) on Monday said if sexual misconduct allegations leveled against members of Congress are true, those members should step down from their seats. The second-term congressman also said if similar allegations are true against Alabama senate candidate Roy Moore, Rouzer believes Moore should remove himself from next month’s special election.

Voter turnout was up in nearly all Wilmington-area counties in 2017, compared to municipal races in 2015.

Voter turnout for the 2017 Municipal Elections increased in nearly all counties in the Wilmington area, according to results posted on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website late Tuesday night. The biggest increases came in New Hanover and Pender counties.

Voter turnout for the 2017 Municipal Elections increased in nearly all counties in the Wilmington area, according to results posted on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website late Tuesday night. The biggest increases came in New Hanover and Pender counties.